WANTED! Dog lovers who can welcome a lovely dog into their home over Christmas.

"Don't Fret Pet!" arranges for dogs to be cared for in loving homes when their owners go away and, due to high demand for their service, they are desperately short of dog lovers to mind dogs over the December/January holiday period.

If you live in Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Canberra or Melbourne and this sounds like something you'd love to do visit the Don't Fret Pet website or for more information or call 1300 30 70 21.

We're pleased to report that PetRescue has featured in this months Your Pet Magazine!

Devoted to pets and their owners, Your Pet is free, full-colour, glossy lifestyle magazine that celebrates the unique relationship people have with their pets.

Featuring entertaining articles, expert information and excellent photography, Your Pet is issued quarterly with 30,000 copies distributed directly to pet lovers of Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

PetRescue are super grateful for the inclusion at this busy time of year! A big thanks Your Pet Magazine!

http://www.yourpetmagazine.com.au

from - ninemsn News
Sunday Dec 11 10:11 AEDT
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=76888

People should think first before they pick up a pet as a Christmas present, NSW Local Government Minister Kerry Hickey has said.

More than 35,000 dogs and cats were received by the NSW RSPCA this year, an increase of more than 3,400 on last year.

"Many of these animals were surrendered or abandoned after being bought without thinking through the long-term responsibilities of being a pet owner," Mr Hickey said in a statement.

"Surprise purchases from pet shops and newspaper ads often just result in more unwanted animals landing on the RSPCA's door."

Mr Hickey also urged people planning to buy a pet to get it desexed.

Indiscriminate breeding led to pet over-population that hurt animals and created a wide range of problems in the community, he said.

The following article by Jodie Curran gives an insight into the life of shelter volunteer:

Earlier this year I had the privilege of participating in the ‘Shelter Dog Rehab Programme' created and run by Karen Damiani at PAA. During the programme we were shown slides of dogs in shelters and when I saw the first dog I cried. ‘I can't do this' I thought. I wanted to walk out and not return, I really believed I would not be able to cope with seeing dogs in such a stressed state. My first day as a Shelter Dog Rehabber was tough and the thoughts of not being able to cope persisted. 

My second day was better and by the third day I felt almost elated and couldn't wait to get to the shelter – the turnaround in perspective was incredible. I had come to the realisation that no matter how much I wanted to, I couldn't save every dog. What I could do, however, was make a positive impact to the lives of as many as I could. Seeing the difference I, and the other rehabbers, make to the lives of the dogs in the shelter, gives me the strength to continue. We do massage, basic training and sometimes just sit with them and have a cuddle, just to let them enjoy the company of people again. To see a dog actually ‘smile' again is the most wonderful thing.

The time the rehabbers spend with the dogs facilitates their transition into a new home. They are happier to see people, used to being handled and some also have basic training. It makes the rehoming much easier for both dog and owner. 

Last week I attended ‘Pets Day Out' in Frankston and was fortunate enough to meet up with 3 dogs that I had worked with at the shelter, one in training and two through rehab. All were very happy and much loved by their new families. One was a young puppy when I worked with him and at first he was too frightened to even approach me, he was terrified of people. I would sit quietly with him until his curiosity and confidence grew and after a couple of visits he would happily snuggle into my chest for cuddles. Seeing him 3 months later relaxed and happily mixing with people and dogs was amazing.

All of them had adjusted well into their new families and were enjoying life. Knowing that I played a part in that was the most wonderful and rewarding feeling. 

Volunteering doesn't have to be a rigid commitment. The shelter understands that people have families and other commitments that come up. I do what I can, when I can, and know that it does make a difference – I love it and feel very privileged to be a part of it.

Jodie Curran

(NSW) Dog Lovers Companion Raises Funds for Rescue!

Paws n Hooves are raising funds to help with their ever increasing vet and kennel bills.

They are selling a fantastic book for dog owners and dog lovers and it is an absolute bargain at only $20 for pick up ($30 posted to almost anywhere in Australia).

It is a hard covered book of over 450 pages and has lots of coloured photos. It has chapters dealing with such subjects as feeding, exercise, grooming and health etc and it also has a breed section of over 100 pages.

For more information about the book, check it out here:
Dog Lovers Companion

If you would like to purchase a copy and help a rescue, please contact
lewis@pawsnhooves.net

(NSW) 'Paws Awhile' Retirement Haven

The rescue group, Mudgee Mutts, often takes in senior dogs that are classed as unrehomable due to severe health issues. The blind, deaf, or just ancient dog needing a warm bed, nice food, a little sunshine and peace and safety are taken in on a small property in Mudgee by a woman whose heart is larger than her budget.

They are saved from Death Row with no option other than being euthanased by strangers in the cold world of the pound. This is done by the generosity of individuals working in rescue by securing the release of the dog, having a vet check to establish the health problems involved and then the costly transport to Mudgee from wherever the dog is being held.

Once in Mudgee they need to be cared for. There are ongoing costs of medications, worming treatments, heartworm treatments, vaccinations, vet visits and the every day food bill. They also generate a lot of washing and the need for paper towels is huge. Finally the day may come when they need the kindness of being given their wings to release then from their pain.

If you felt able to help with any of the following items or just a donation it could not go to a more worthwhile cause.

*Good quality dog food, dog bowls, coats, blankets, toys, beds, hessian bags for frame beds, or Pie in The Sky stuff - dog trailer, cat enclosure or old aviaries, box trailer.

For more information http://home.iprimus.com.au/kroser/index.htm

(NSW) Friends of The Shelter Inc Gift Cards

Friends of the Shelter Gift Card packs (8 diff designs). These cards feature lino cut artworks donated by 3rd 7 4th class art students from Gib Gate (2004) to F.O.S. (featured on this site). They are professionally printed (black on 300gsm card)with all printing costs sponsored by local businesses. Blank Gift Card Packs come as 8 cards plus envelopes, cello wrapped with ribbon decoration making them a gorgeous present or gift option at $8.00 per pack.

To order please call (02) 4861-5017, email fos@hinet.net.au or visit Friends of the Shelter.

(NSW) Sydney Dogs' Home

The Sydney Dog's Home has Christmas cards available for sale at $12 for a pack of 10 (which includes postage) and all proceeds go to the Shelter. For more information please visit:

The Sydney Dogs' Home

Christmas is nearly here and it’s time for the Lost Dogs' Home 2005 Christmas catalogue. The merchandise is available from their online store, but you can also download and print a hard copy of the Christmas catalogue if that is more suitable.

They've got a really good line up of gift ideas, but stocks are limited. The Christmas cards are already selling fast so make sure you put your orders in early!

All proceeds from merchandise sales go directly towards the running of the shelter, which cares for tens of thousands of animals each year.

For more information visit The Lost Dogs Home

(QLD) YAPS Needing Foster Carers

Yaps Animal Refuge rescue and rehome abandoned abused and unwanted animals. The shelter homes many cats and dogs until the right families come along.

They urgently need loving foster homes for the Xmas School Holidays. Fostering one of their dogs for a week or two gives other animals that come in a chance to be rehomed or in the case of a lost animals, a chance to find their owners.

If you can help, please visit http://www.yaps.org.au/foster.html#dogs

(QLD) The PRC has the Perfect Parrot Pressie!

The Parrot Rescue Centre is an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of suffering, abused and unwanted pet parrots by providing an appropriate environment for their individual needs.

The PRC has created an easy to use shop offering safe & recommended products for the enrichment of your Parrot. All profits from the shop are used to support the daily operation of the PRC.

Click here to visit the PRC shop!

(SA) RSPCA Tender Loving Care Program

The Animal Shelter at Lonsdale runs a TLC Program where volunteers attend on a regular basis to spend time with dogs and cats. The animals are exercised, socialised and given a bundle of TLC so that they can be successfully rehomed.

A serious level of commitment is needed for this role, so please consider carefully. You will also need your own transport to and from the Shelter.

Please contact the shelter on 8382 0888 to find out when their next induction day is being held or visit the RSPCA SA website.

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